![]() |
Instructions to designer from the author |
A friend said to
me recently: had I ever done a panel in a Festival on how a book is edited?
I was surprised by
the question, and more so, by my answer. I had never done anything like this.
Nor had I ever seen a panel on this subject. But the question intrigued me.
Usually a book is
promoted after it is finished. To take a step back, into the messy, frequently
indecisive moments – before the book jells into its final shape – is a risk.
But the fact is a
book has many forks in the road.
For
example it is the exception for a book to be written in one concentrated period
of time. Most books are composites of
different periods of writing. In some ways it is not too dissimilar from an
artist working in oils, slowly building up a picture – changing details as he
or she goes along, painting over things that don’t work out. It’s an addition,
a composite, a process that is gone through over time.
One thing it isn’t
is neat.
![]() |
Removing subtitle from the inside page. The publisher wanted a subtitle. I didn't. |
The lovely
simplicity of a finished book is a mask over the many decisions taken, as well
as the false roads and dead-ends left behind. The writer’s style is the glue
that holds it all together.
The writer’s style is the thing that makes it all
seem ‘of a piece’.
But behind any
book is a kind of invisible architecture, or equation which the reader cunningly
assembles in his or her own head. This equation has to add up. Yet it is made
of many different things – it can’t be simply spelled out in a sentence –
otherwise why bother writing a many-sentenced book?
But a good editor
has a key role. It is identifying and then clarifying this hidden equation,
buried under a mountain of words, a highway of clauses, a continent of full
stops, commas and dashes.
At times this is
relatively easy and clear.
At other times,
there is a lot of work involved.
This is usually
followed by euphoria – in your mind the perfect equation returns and you
believe you have delivered it.
The editor’s awful
job is to tactfully inform the writer that though the work is ‘full of promise’
and ‘really interesting’ it is not ‘quite there yet.’
(Read: a mess that
will require a lot of work to tidy up.)
With this current
book, I had an editor who did a sort of big picture edit. Then I had a
different editor to do an almost line by line edit.
This latter
experience I found very difficult at first. She seemed to misunderstand the
type of history I was writing (which was similar to my book on Colenso, openly
personal and quite often wandering off onto tangents.)
Her role was to
keep me on the ‘straight and narrow’. Over time I came to respect her opinions
but it took me a long time to say goodbye to large parts of the book I
personally found interesting.
![]() |
Too much detail, even when it is a fascinating quote from Mark Twain in Napier |
But the fact was
the book was massively too long.
What does this
mean?
It really means
the book was too long for its commercial possibilities.
A two volume work
isn’t a contemporary reality. Even a long book, in today’s market, is a risk
(although conversely long books like Eleonor Catton and Donna Tartt’s novels
have recently had a vogue.)
Regardless my 200,000
plus word manuscript was boiled down by a ruthless process of removal to a much
more commercial 170,000 words. (30,000 words is half of a slim novel.)
I can no longer
even remember what has vanished in the process.
![]() |
Goodbye to all that. |
So what would a
conversation be like between an editor and a writer?
I think it would
work if you narrowed it down to a chapter and talked specifics. You could quite
easily show how a chapter was altered, tightened in focus, reduced to its main
points.
You could show
what was chucked out.
You could even
show the pictures chosen to illustrate and how even these go through an editing
process, then have a captions added, (or removed) or simplified.
It’s all part of a
long very exhausting editing process.
In reality it has
been going on for more than four months.
And the thing is
you have to keep that magic unseen equation (that nobody else can see yet) in
your head.
It is one very
very long spell of concentration.
Sometimes I tell
myself this is why I just need to lie down on the bed in the middle of the afternoon and collapse into sleep.
But would all this
be revealing the machinery behind the curtain? Would this reduce the ‘prestige’
of being an author who supposedly produces his or her books single-handed?
Most authors
understand the collaborative process of writing – but do readers?
Or would
readers even care?
I think if it was
done well and completely it would be riveting.
But I wonder,
which author is going to volunteer for open-heart surgery?
If you have never looked through watches ads, execute a web search on watches, and then include your local big replica rolex watches in the search box. You should be able to find your local watches that way. Printing pictures and showing them to your children, asking for their thoughts is a great way to involve them. Any bedroom decorating should start with communication between parents, accompanied by hublot replica sale with the children themselves. Tastefully put together personal gold hublot replica uk will automatically get many buyers in case you want to sell it off at a later period. Once a parent can get a feel for how to deal with any decorating projects, the time they feel they need to purchase items or save for small purchases along the way, and how to rolex replica uk the kids, they should add the children in a decorating or design projects. Come out and trust your rado replica to get involved, only when to dream.
ReplyDeletesac longchamp pliage
ReplyDeletecheap uggs boots
chaussure louboutin
oakley sunglasses wholesale
toms outlet
christian louboutin uk
fitflop uk
louboutin
ray-ban sunglasses
prada uk
polo outlet
sac longchamp
adidas superstars
ray ban sunglasses outlet
oakley sunglases cheap
new balance outlet
instyler max
coach outlet
christian louboutin
mont blanc pens
north face
air max 95
ugg boots sale
ed hardy outlet
nike huarache
fake oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
nike cortez
hollister kids
nike sb
football shoes
2015930yuanyuan
awesome veterans day quotes
Deleteveterans day poems
veterans day memes images
veterans day parade
happy veterans day clip art facebook
happy veterans day pictures
happy Veterans Day images
christian louboutin chaussures
ReplyDeletejordan 8s
christian louboutin shoes
ray ban sunglasses
coach outlet
ralph lauren uk
ugg boots clearance
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet
true religion outlet
michael kors outlet
nike roshe run
canada goose outlet
louis vuitton outlet
coach factory outlet
cheap jordans
adidas yeezy
canada goose sale
jordans
ugg sale
christian louboutin pas cher
san antonio spurs jerseys
oakley vault
canada goose outlet
gucci outlet
adidas yeezy
louis vuitton discount
louis vuitton handbags
cheap jerseys
gucci outlet
ugg boot uk
uggs for men
louis vuitton outlet
louis vuitton outlet
michael kors handbags
michael kors bags
kate spade
vans shoes outlet
celine handbags
coach outlet store online clearances
chenlina20160906
Military style has always been known for the French watch manufacturer Replica Watches, watch BR03 Military Type Watchrecently released a black and green color for its Replica handbags popularity.On itsiconic square exterior profile, the designers with a matte Replica watches UK blackceramic material used to build the case, combined with military green handbagreplica and white dial and digital aa scales Rolex Daytona in contrast.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is so nice to me. I will continue to come here again and again. Visit my link as well. Good luck
ReplyDeleteobat aborsi
شركة نقل اثاث بنجران
ReplyDeleteشركة نقل اثاث بخميس مشيط
شركة نقل اثاث بابها
hammer of thor
ReplyDeletehammer of thor asli
jual hammer of thor
hammer of thor murah
thor hammer
jual thor hammer
klg
klg pill
jual klg
klg asli
klg pill asli
titan gel
titan gel asli
jual titan gel
gel titan
obat pembesar penis
obat pembesar penis
obat pembesar penis
obat pembesar penis
obat pembesar penis
penirum
penirum asli
jual penirum
testo ultra
testo ultra asli
jual testo ultra
ReplyDeleteavriq
This is really a pleasant and useful, containing all data furthermore greatly affect the new innovation. Much obliged for sharing it,
ReplyDeleteAvriq India
AVRiQ - Data Recovery
AVRiQ Crunchbase
Avriq Services
Avriq Us
Obat Aborsi ,
ReplyDeleteObat Aborsi Ampuh ,
Obat Aborsi Asli ,
Jual Obat Aborsi ,
Obat Pelancar haid ,
Obat Telat datang Bulan ,
Obat Penggugur Kandungan ,
Pesan Cytotec Harga Obat Aborsi ,
Jual Obat Aborsi ,
Obat Aborsi ,
Jual Obat Penggugur Kandungan ,
Obat Penggugur Janin ,
Klinik Aborsi Janin Jakarta ,
Pesan Harga Obat Aborsi Tuntas ,
Order Cytotec Obat Aborsi ,
agen poker terbaik asia ,
ReplyDeletebandar poker terbaik asia,
bandar kiu terbaik asia,
agen poker aman pasti bayar ,
bandar poker aman pasti bayar,
bandar kiu aman pasti bayar,
agen poker terpercaya indonesia ,
bandar poker terpercaya indonesia,
bandar kiu terpercaya indonesia,
delimapoker,
bandar kiu,
agen poker,
zodiak,
link alternatif delimapoker,
link alternatif,
link alternatif delimapoker,
ReplyDeleteactivate jio caller tune
wireless mouse under 500
wireless mouse under 1000
best graphic card for gaming under 100
airtel net balance check
jio mobile number check
run 3 unblocked
ReplyDeleterun 3 unblocked 66
unblocked games run 3
run 3 unblocked 333
run 3 unblocked at school
Bollywala.com
ReplyDeleteSunny Leone Sexy Photos
Sunny Leone Hot Bikini Wallpapers
urvashi rautela bikini
katrina kaif bikini
priyanka chopra bikini
Sunny Leone Bikini
kajal agarwal bikini
kareena kapoor bikini
Jio Giga Fiber booking
ReplyDeletejio giga fiber
Jio Gigafiber price
Jio Fiber Dealership
Jio GigaFIber Plans
Mobile USSD Codes
ReplyDeleteIdea Easy Share
Idea Loan Number
Idea Internet Setting
Idea DND Service
Idea Unlimited Calling Plan
u haul 1 800
ReplyDeleteuhaul toll free
1 800 number for uhaul
uhaul 800
uhaul supplies
Air Jordan 9
ReplyDeleteAir Jordan 4
Pandora Jewelry
Pandora Jewelry
Air Jordan 9
Yeezy boost 350 v2
Pandora Jewelry
Jordan 4
Red Bottom Shoes For Women
Nike Air Max 270
Panchtantra Ki Kahani
ReplyDeletePanchtantra Ki Kahani In Hindi
hindi panchatantra stories
Hindi Moral Stories
story in hindi for kids
Hindi Short Story
Moral Stories in Hindi
Story In Hindi
ReplyDeleteLow testosterone level achieved numerous issues for men. It causes significant issues in your sexual exhibitions and furthermore emerges leap in your physical exhibitions. For a rec center going, it is difficult to manage work withdrawals in the exercise center with a low testosterone level.Try Enduraflex Testosteron Booster for More Energy
Online Marketing for educational institutions,MgiWebzone is currently the best digital advertising and marketing company in India which offers affordable online advertising for educational institutions in India.
ReplyDeleteYou can reach us at +91-7503544039 for further discussion!
Read More : https://www.mgiwebzone.com/digital-marketing-for-educational-institutes/
Better Medical Billing Solutions is a part of a nationwide network of over 1,500 offices, and we specialize in practice management, revenue cycle optimization, and private practice business support.
ReplyDeleteJeevi Digital Solutions Pvt Ltd takes pride in having a reputation of understanding and synergizing with our customers and business partners have to say and work with a customer centric philosophy.
ReplyDeleteLow testosterone level achieved numerous issues for men. It causes significant issues in your sexual exhibitions and furthermore emerges leap in your physical exhibitions. For a rec center going, it is difficult to manage work withdrawals in the exercise center with a low testosterone level.Try Enduraflex Testosteron Booster for More Energy
ReplyDeleteLow testosterone level achieved numerous issues for men. It causes significant issues in your sexual exhibitions and furthermore emerges leap in your physical exhibitions. For a rec center going, it is difficult to manage work withdrawals in the exercise center with a low testosterone level.Try Enduraflex Testosteron Booster for More Energy
ReplyDeleteWith Testo Ultra you could turn into the male you made utilization of to be, or the person you've always planned to be. Sex-related scatters of a few sorts may have extreme outcomes on joint efforts. On the off chance that you lose confidence, you will probably perform ineffectively each time. Tis endless loop can be stopped, in any case, with a Testosterone supporter that perceives the issue that men deal with. By enhancing and furthermore growing your erections you could at long last entire your devotee's sexual necessitie.
ReplyDeleteTesto Ultra
Regal Keto is a characteristic weight reduction arrangement that brings Your framework into the ketosis state, and furthermore you consume Body fat. This is a non-GMO item or administration which keeps you Secure. The association additionally offnces and conveys Unquestionably standard weight reduction results. This enhancemers one hundred% a repayment guarantee in the event that you neglect to have achievement. The second most basic this it comprises of hundred percent regular substaent is a sustenance plan tablet which can be easy to take in and quickly consumes fat.
ReplyDeleteregal keto diet
ReplyDeleteGone are the days for profound Link Buildings. Clients are requesting stages where they can share their perspectives and surveys on items and administrations. What's more, our confided in SEO benefits in India causes them in conveying those stages. Which empowers us to convey unrivaled outcomes and monstrous online incomes for our customers and an extraordinary brand encounters to their clients.
search engine optimization
ReplyDeleteIt is an organic procedure that human begins to lose the nature of their skin as their age. It for the most part begins at 35 years old or above. There is no particular age where we can state that maturing begins happening in people since everybody has diverse hereditary qualities. Be that as it may, we are in this period where there is heaps of skin improving creams, and it is protected to stat
dermavix
Attachments area
ReplyDeleteIt is an organic procedure that human begins to lose the nature of their skin as their age. It for the most part begins at 35 years old or above. There is no particular age where we can state that maturing begins happening in people since everybody has diverse hereditary qualities. Be that as it may, we are in this period where there is heaps of skin improving creams, and it is protected to stat
dermavix
Attachments area
Togel Online
ReplyDeleteBandar Togel Terpercaya
Angka Jitu Hk
Main Togel Online
ReplyDeleteJudi Togel Online
Bandar Togel
Bandar Togel
Terpercaya
Agen judi Togel
Agen Togel
Terpercaya
Situs togel
terpercaya
Cosmetic surgery is where a person chooses to have an operation or invasive medical procedure, to change their physical appearance for cosmetic rather than medical reasons.
ReplyDeleteNon-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers - typically used to relax or fill crease lines - do not involve surgery. However, there are still risks attached.
Cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline of medicine focused on enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques. Cosmetic surgery can be performed on all areas of the head, neck, and body. Because treated areas function properly but lack aesthetic appeal, cosmetic surgery is elective.
Read more: http://divineaesthetic.com/
First Class Immigration Services (Fcimmigration) can assist you with all your migration needs.
ReplyDeleteVitality RX goes to the racks. Indeed here in Miracle Sex Diets is a critical subject. Engaging in sexual relations is great and it enhances wellbeing, it thins and it leaves more joyful and great specialist with life, does not it?
ReplyDeleteRead More: http://www.qualityhealthnow.com/vitality-rx/
Love Shayari In Hindi
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Shayari
Good Night Shayari
Shayari In Hindi For Friends
Shayari In Hindi
Love Shayari In Hindi
Sad Shayari In Hindi
MeluhaTN is started by group of young and experienced teachers who believe that our methods of teaching are not adequate to crack today’s competitive exams like JEE/ NEET. Without having thorough understanding of the concepts, rote method of learning is often resorted by the students. However it becomes impossible for the students to be successful in competitive exams with this approach. Enroll today for JEE coaching online and NEET Online Coaching.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletebestlaptops12
bestphones90
bestmobiles44
bestlaptop22
bestlaptopsunder40000
bestphonesunder15000
bestlaptopsunder25000
bestlaptopsunder20000
bestphonesunder5000
bestphonesunder10000
ReplyDeleteSandeep Maheshwari
Sandeep Maheshwari Quotes
now present in your city cara menggugurkan kandungan
ReplyDelete1. manfaat kurma untuk persalinan
2. manfaat buah nanas
3. aktivitas penyebab keguguran
4. apakah usg berbahaya
5. penyebab telat haid
6. cara melancarkan haid
7. cara mengatasi keputihan
8. tanda tanda menopause
icici bank balance check no by missed call
ReplyDeleteBigg Boss Vote
ReplyDeleteBigg Boss Tamil Vote
http://biggbossvote.blog/bigg-boss-vote/
Bigg Boss Vote
Bigg Boss Telugu Vote
http://biggbossvote.blog/bigg-boss-telugu-vote/
just information we only provide information for those who need it cara menggugurkan kandungan
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteتنظيف بمكة افضل ارخص شركة نظافة شركة تنظيف بمكة بالبخار
تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة افضل شركة نظافة تنظيف بالمدينة المنورة
تنظيف بالجبيل ارخص افضل شركة نظافة تنظيف بالجبيل
تنظيف بالدمام ارخص افضل شركة مؤسسة تنظيف بالدمام
تنظيف بالخبر ارخص افضل شركة تنظيف بالخبر